5 Staples of a Good Bike Fit - Part 3 by Flexionbikefit

Five Staples For A Good Fitting Bike – Part 3

You need to simulate the ‘Morse code of the foot’.

Proprioception is the central nervous system’s awareness of the body’s position in space. This is important because there are sensory receptors located throughout the body and those that are located in the feet provide valuable force feedback to relative to walking, running and cycling. We use these receptors to detect motion and these ‘Morse code’ messages are lost in the stiff cycling shoe. 

Why does this matter? Consider that I see over 250 cyclists in a year and many of them present function asymmetries when they pedal. Most often this is lopsided hip extensions from left to right. Their right pedal stroke looks even and powerful while there left lacks the controlled contraction sequence for a proper hip extension.

In bike fits, I recommend the modular insole from the company G8 called the 2620. Now I know foot support is also a debated topic and I will leave the debate of foot support for another time. I am often recommending these insoles so the brain/body relationship receives the force feedback in the arches to trigger proper muscle activation for power and pain-free cycling. Heck, I’ve even used good old duct tape for those on a budget.

Needing new insoles? Book a foot/pedal interface session at yegbikefit.com and let’s discuss foot comfort and how your individual needs can be met with shoes and insoles. I also carry the Lake brand of shoes which come in three different widths.